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Hastings, Minnesota City Council Minutes March 21, 2011 The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular meeting on Monday, March 21, 2011 at 7:00 PM in the Council
Chambers at the Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4th Street, Hastings, Minnesota Members Present: Mayor Hicks, City Councilmembers Alongi, Balsanek, Hollenbeck, Nelson and Slavik Members
Absent: Councilmember Schultz Staff Present: City Administrator Dave Osberg City Attorney Dan Fluegel Assistant City Administrator Melanie Mesko Lee Public Works Director Tom Montgomery
City Engineer Nick Egger Proclamation—Recognizing the Launch of United in Hastings: The E-Volunteer Network The mayor and Council read the proclamation. Representatives from a variety
of community organizations were present and spoke to the goals and objectives of the E-Volunteer Network and thanked the City for their support Presentation—Hastings Bridge Project and
Traffic Update Steve Kordosky of MnDot provided an overview of bridge status to date and upcoming items. The annual inspection will be held the last week in April. More information can
be found on the bridge website. Approval of Minutes Mayor Hicks asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the regular City Council meeting on March 7, 2011.
Hearing none, the minutes were approved as presented. Consent Agenda Moved by Councilmember Nelson, seconded by Councilmember Balsanek to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. 6 Ayes;
Nays, None. 1. Pay Bills as Audited 2. Accept Planning Commission Resignation/Authorize Advertisement—Don Slaten 3. Approve Agreement with Dakota County—2011 Household Hazardous Waste
Event Collection 4. Resolution 03-05-11—Approve Tobacco License for Patrick Tripp at Roadside Pump & Grocery (225 11th Street West) 5. Resolution 03-06-11—Renewal of Consumption and
Display Permit for the Knights of Columbus Hall 6. Resolution 03-07-11—Approving State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreements with the City of Hastings on behalf of its City Attorney and
Police Department Department 7. Order Public Hearing for Declaring Sand Coulee Property Excess—Outlot D: South Pines Addition and Outlot A: South Pines 3rd Addition 8. Resolution 03-08-11—Accepting
$600 Donation from Ron Hillmer for a Memorial Bench
City of Hastings March 21, 2011 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 4 9. HFAC New Class Offerings and First Reading/Ordering Public Hearing for New Fees 10. Resolution 03-09-11 for Support
of Grant Application for CP Adams Trail Extension 11. Resolution 03-10-11 —Approving Licensee Name Change for Bierstube, Inc. Public Hearing—2011 Infrastructure Improvements Program
Egger introduced the item and provided an overview of the proposed improvements. Mayor Hicks opened the public hearing at 7:31 p.m. He requested that those with questions come to the
podium and staff will take notes to be able to answer the questions. Steve Miller, 1344 Honeysuckle, inquired about the rate being charged for the improvements, access during construction
and project staging. Ray Viall, 1131 Honeysuckle, inquired about how the project is being paid for, how assessments are determined, and the varying aspects of the different parts of
the project. Gerry Dean, 1420 Honeysuckle, stated that his road is in reasonable shape and not in need of reconstruction. Jim McNamara, 947 West 14th Street, inquired about assessment
determinations on corner lots and what happens to the excess right of way when a street is narrowed. Egger provided an overview of the resident outreach that is conducted with affected
property owners during the project. He noted that there is a staff liaison dedicated to business outreach during the project. Egger noted that there are a number of different projects
as part of this year’s program, and he offered to meet individually with any property owner to review the calculations used to determine the assessment amount. He noted that the assessment
amount is based on a value benefit, which is determined by a licensed assessor. Egger reviewed the calculation for corner lot assessments and noted that when a street is narrowed, there
is more right-of-way. Josh Bauer, 513 McNamara, stated concern about traffic in his neighborhood and the impact of the proposed street realignment. Dave Fasbender, owner of properties
along Florence Florence Street, inquired how the assessments would be determined for his properties which have alley access. Joann Calhoun, 1230 Honeysuckle, inquired about the corner
lot assessment process. Egger stated that the proposed realignment at McNamara & 17th Streets is intended to increase the efficiency for maintenance. He also noted that Sumner is proposed
to be narrowed to 28 feet. There was clarification about how properties with both street and alley access are assessed. Egger reviewed the calculation for corner lot assessments again.
Jennifer Ziemer, representing property owner William Ziemer, 1002 West 15th Street, inquired about a longer payback period for the assessments. There was discussion about the proposed
CDBG funds that have been traditionally earmarked for assessment abatement for those property owners meeting certain income guidelines. It was noted that the City’s bonding agents don’t
recommending bonding beyond a 10 year cycle. Gerry Dean, 1420 Honeysuckle, inquired whether his street could just be blacktopped. Egger clarified that his section of the project is not
a complete reconstruction, but instead blacktop replacement. Duane Fiike, 1306 Sun Valley Drive, inquired about the opportunity for recourse by property owners. City Attorney Fluegel
outlined the appeal process, which was also provided in the assessment notices mailed to all affected property owners. Hearing no further comments, Mayor Hicks closed the public hearing
at 8:20 p.m. Resolution—Order Improvement, Approve Plans, and Authorize Advertisement for Bid: 2011 Infrastructure Improvements Program Moved by Councilmember Alongi, seconded by Councilmember
Slavik to approve the resolution as presented.
City of Hastings March 21, 2011 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 4 Councilmember Alongi inquired about the proposed realignment at 17th & McNamara Streets and balancing the City’s efficiency
goals with the character of the street. Moved by Councilmember Alongi, seconded by Councilmember Nelson to amend the motion to remove this section of the proposed project and refer it
to the Operations Committee and report back at the April 4 Council meeting. 6 Ayes; Nays, none. Motion was amended. Councilmember Nelson noted that he is a resident in the proposed project
area and that he intended to vote on the project. Councilmember Balsanek stated concern with the assessment appeal process. Councilmember Slavik noted that the City’s improvement program
addresses a small portion of the City’s streets each year on an ongoing maintenance cycle. Councilmember Alongi noted that by considering the assessments at the time the project is ordered,
over $400,000 is saved through capitalized interest costs. Moved by Councilmember Alongi, seconded by Councilmember Slavik to withdraw the originally amended motion and move to table
this issue until the April 4 Council meeting. 5 Ayes; Nays, one. Councilmember Balsanek voting against. Public Hearing—2011 Infrastructure Improvements Program Assessments Egger previously
introduced the item. Mayor Hicks opened the public hearing at 8:50 p.m. Barbara Jorenby, 1421 West 12th Street, requested an individual meeting regarding her proposed assessment. Ann
Schlauderaff, 1211 Honeysuckle, inquired how foreclosed properties are assessed. It was noted that all assessments are the responsibility of the property owner, whether that is an individual
or a bank. Hearing no further comments, Mayor Hicks closed the public hearing at 8:55 p.m. Resolution—Adopt Assessment for 2011 Infrastructure Improvements Program Moved by Councilmember
Alongi, seconded by Councilmember Nelson to table this item until April 4, 2011. 5 Ayes; Nays, one. Councilmember Balsanek voting against. Resolution—Adopt Assessment for 2011 Infrastructure
Improvements Program: 11th Street Moved by Councilmember Nelson, seconded by Councilmember Hollenbeck to table this item until April 4, 2011. 6 Ayes; Nays, none. Community Feedback Survey
Moved by Councilmember Hollenbeck, seconded by Councilmember Alongi to approve as presented. 6 Ayes; Nays, none. Updates: Montgomery provided information about potential flooding, noting
that Bless Hastings is organizing volunteers and more information is available on the City’s website. Volunteers are being requested to fill 10,000 sandbags on Saturday, March 26 Mayor
Hicks noted that comments will accepted at the April 4 meeting regarding the 2011 proposed improvements. Administrative Committee will meet on Wednesday, March 23 at 7:30 a.m. at City
Hall.
City of Hastings March 21, 2011 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 4 A neighborhood meeting regarding Kwik Trip is scheduled for Thursday, March 24 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. A neighborhood
meeting regarding flooding and railroad activities is schedule for Wednesday, March 30 at 6:00 p.m. at the Fire Station. A Bridge Open House will be held from 2:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday,
March 31 at City Hall Adjournment Moved by Councilmember Slavik, seconded by Councilmember Alongi to adjourn the meeting at 9:06 p.m. 6 Ayes; Nays, None. _________________________________
_______________________________ Paul J. Hicks Melanie Mesko Lee Mayor City Clerk